Horsepower and torque are two common vehicle starts that most people tend to confuse. Torque gives the vehicle the ability to work, while horsepower is the rate of speed at which the vehicle performs its duties.
So, what are the differences between horsepower and torque? Let’s take a look at few key areas.
Differences Between Torque And Horsepower
Here are five of the biggest differences between torque and horsepower:
1. Torque Is More Necessary For Towing
If you haul trailers, boats or campers often, then you’ll want to focus on torque instead of horsepower. Torque is what matters for reducing strain on your vehicle during the hauling process. Torque is designed to help your vehicle navigate hills and other rough roads. A vehicle with higher torque will likely take more time to accelerate, though.
2. Differences In Vehicle Acceleration
Whenever you press down on the gas pedal, the vehicle goes through a cycle or combination of horsepower and torque. In terms of how you accelerate, though, the two will have their own separate functions. It is the torque’s job to get the vehicle moving when initially accelerating. The horsepower kicks in once the car gets up to speed.
3. Used To Measure Different Features
Torque measures rotational force. Horsepower, meanwhile, measures the amount of power transferred from engine to the wheels. Horsepower measures based on weight of the object in motion, distance moved and time to cover said distance.
4. Not Equal For Fuel Efficiency
One of the biggest differences between horsepower and torque is fuel efficiency. A car with a lot of horsepower will burn through fuel faster. Low-end torque vehicles will not go through fuel as quickly.
5. Horsepower Is All About Performance
Drivers who want speed and power under the hood will want high-horsepower vehicles. The higher the horsepower rating in the car, the faster it will move, in general. However, higher horsepower vehicles will still rely on torque. Finding vehicles with a perfect balance of horsepower and torque will make for the best driving experience.
Road Runner Converters Offers Many Torque Converter Replacements
Road Runner Converters offers many torque converters for sale online. We offer GM Torque Converters, Ford Torque Converters, Diesel Torque Converters, Towing Torque Converters, Street Torque Converters and more.
